XH isn't the first beer that has an "X" in its name, and I'm sure it won't be the last. However, it is excellent. Hitachino beers are on the whole pretty good, and from what I have tasted, this is the tops. Hitachino beers are made by the Kiuchi Brewery, who use a little cute owl as their mascot. These beers are not as easy to find in Japan as one might think, and they are available in America at certain places. The only place near KY that has these brews is Jungle Jim's in Fairfield, OH--and that should come as no surprise because it is a known fact that Jungle Jim's sells everything. I'm serious. There is not an item available for sale anywhere in the world that Jungle Jim's does not carry. This week kitchen sinks are buy one get one free. If you don't believe me, check this out. Here they poliely tell you about the over 800 different types of beer that they carry, 400 of which are microbrews from the US. Jealous?
Anyway, XH is good. It is a Belgian style/ Strong American Ale Style dark brew that is somewhere around 8% ABV. Of course, this grabbed our attention from the start.
The thing about this brew that makes it unique is the fact that it is matured in shochu casks for three months. Here it gets stronger and gets its good flavor. Shochu is a vile liquid that is distilled from many sources like sweet potatoes, rice, and elephant dung. I do
n't recommend drinking it unless you are in a real pinch. Never minding the nasty taste, it does something good to this beer.XH has just made the jump to America, as many bars in the New York area are reported to have very limited quantities on hand. However, the Kiuchi Brewery website still states that XH isn't available in the US... Conspiracy?
If you have a chance to crack open an XH, don't hesitate to do so. You will love the taste, but not the hefty price tag. Drink one and then hit some Black Malts. You didn't think we had forgotten about them yet did you???
After drinking the XH that I bought the weekend before, I was in desperate need of another. But alas, no more beer was to be found. So, I improvised and drank a white russian instead. Ain't she a beaut?
2 comments:
That is a mighty tasty lookin white russian in that picture. The milk/kaluha line is reminiscent of a certain establishment in Tahara where the master makes white russians, though they are not on the menu.
After further review....only the XH that goes to America gets put in Shochu casks! DOH!
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